Family Dog

we have a border collie we got from my in-laws that was already an outside only dog. she is AWESOME!! wonderful with kids, very mild mannered, she is better alone - apparently every other dog my in-laws had tortured the poor pup because she is the furthest thing from alpha female. she is such a great dog and doesn't mind being alone at all!

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I wouldn't recomment getting a boxer if you're wanting to keep it outside. They are meant to be more indoor than outdoor dogs. They have really short hair and become overheated and very cold super fast. (I had one in the past and have one now, it tells you that on any website you visit) You can go to websites that you put in all of your criteria and it matches you with what's best for your situation. I have a lab mix that is wonderful with my daughter! She can lay on him, play fetch with him, and even dress him up and he's fine as long as he's getting attention!

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A dog that can't be inside with you on a regular basis is not going to be a happy dog. Dogs are pack animals and need lots of interaction with the other members of the pack (your family). Outside dogs tend not to get much attention when the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet, or otherwise not conducive to people spending lots of time outdoors. Lonely dogs act out - they dig, chew, bark incessantly, and some even engage in self-destructive behavior (chewing their own feet, pulling their fur out).
Check with your allergist - there are some breeds that shed less dander than others, and are more compatible for people with allergies. You might be able to keep one of those breeds indoors without making your step-son sick.
Beagles are really cute, but they are high-energy hunting dogs. If they aren't exercised regularly, they become downright neurotic. They are rabbit dogs, and they like to dig. They also tend to be very vocal, especially when they aren't getting enough attention.

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I have a Border Collie and a Siberian Husky. They both live outside but they have a section of the garage they can get in to get out of the heat, we have a fan in there. I would recomend the Border Collie - they love to play, they are easily taught fun tricks, ect. They are great with kids!

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I am not going to lecture you about anything here, since you are a big girl and can figure out on your own if you want a dog and if you want it inside or outside. I recommend boxers. We have two. I have a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old and could not ask for better dogs for the boys. They will take anything the kids dish out and have never even offered to growl at them. (I also have a border collie who growls any time one of the kids even gets near her.) The boxers are fantastic dogs!

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I don't recommend getting a dog that you don't want in the house. And do not get a beagle - they're adoreable but a ton of work. Actually, all dogs are a ton of work (I have two). I know this isn't the advice that you asked for, but I think that most places will tell you that they won't adopt out an outside-only dog (at least around here).

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Dogs are pack animals... one reason why they get on so well with humans. If you REALLY want to keep them outside 24/7, please seriously consider getting TWO dogs so that they can keep each other company at night and during times when left alone. It will cut down on bad behaviors that stem from loneliness & dying for attention, as well as keep them in better health.

Also, for any hot area... they cost a lot more... but a double wall dog house (for insulation) is a must as far as kindness is concerned. And a self watering trough, so that they never run out of water on accident (from knocking it over, etc.). You can also build your own double walled shelter. Either build the entire thing yourself (and don't forget to double wall the bottom, &/or have it raised up off the ground), or build a box for an existing dog house. You can leave the space between the walls empty, or one better, fill it with insulation.

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Dogs are pack animals. It would be unkind to have it outside all the time and away form it's pack, you and your family. Do not get a Beagle. If you do not want it inside and will not work with it consstaly it will bark and dig. THey also dribble. I would reconsider.

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Go to the pound and check out whats there. Mutts make nice pets. don't go for a fancy breed lol. But I would be very careful about getting a pet that you sound from the start like you don't want lol.

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Labs are great with kids, and many mutts can make best friends for life. Talk to your shelter, see what they have and what they recommend. Depending on the age of your daughter, getting a younger dog that grows up with the child may make for a better bond. If the dog is going to be full time out side it does mean he/she will not get consistent contact with the family, and loneliness and boardem can lead to bad behavior, so I would consider getting 2 dogs so they have the constant companionship dogs so desperately need.

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A lab....They are bigger than a beagle but they are so great with kids...They'll form a bond with your child. Butter's (my lab) follows my daughter around everywhere she goes...he is so protective of her... He doesn't let her out of his site.

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Google adoptapet.com & put in your zipcode.

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I would recommend looking into getting a Boxer. They are wonderful family dogs, and are awesome around kids. I have 2, a male and a female, and have raised two liters of pups. Sounds like you have the room to let one run about, which would be great. They are normally medium sized dogs, and mine act very well inside the house when they get to come in....for the same reasons you mentioned above. There are several Boxer Rescue's around the world. Good luck on your search!!!

R.

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Beagles bark a lot and you would really need to train them if they will be outside to not bark and harass your neighbors. You should ask the pet adoption place for guidance on what would be a good match for you and you family. Let them know that you will be keeping the dog outside. Right now, we have two families near us that keep their dogs outisde and they drive us crazy. The dogs bark all the time and it is very annoying to all those nearby.

Beagles are diggers -- and howlers. Does your daughter know that you will be getting her a dog? Frankly, I would want the choice of a family dog left up to me and my husband, not my parents or in-laws. Getting the "right" dog is a personal choice and how the dog is around the children is a huge consideration!

I agree with everyone that if you do get an outside dog, get two. Also, beagles howl a lot! We had one next door and that is all it would do when it was let outside.

If you reconsider about keeping the dog inside, I would recommend a boxer. I have terrible allergies but have had no problems with our boxer. They require very little coat maintenance and don't shed very much. They are expressive, loving dogs that have so much energy but also love to just sit with you. We adopted our boxer about three years ago - she was found on the street weighing only 38 pounds. She is a healthy 55 pounds now and so well behaved. Many people are amazed to know that she was a street dog. We had our first baby last year and our boxer is so good with him. The LA site is http://www.louisianaboxerrescue.org.

If you opt to get an outside dog, petfinder.com is a great resource. It lists all the dogs available from both rescue sites and the various pounds.

Good luck finding a best friend!

I volunteer at a local spca and they won't adopt to someone if they know it will strictly be an outside dog.

Good outside dogs that are family friendly are one that are short-haired. A bulldog, or a coonhound. Labs are good but they like contact.

If you are planning on keeping the dog outside, you will need to have it on flea/tick medicine year round. We used monthly Intercepter. Also, do you have room to build a comfortable sized dog house and enclosed run? Is your daughter willing to help keep the dog run clean and dog poop free?

If your plan is to have a dog that is outside, tied to a post and he just moves in and out of his dog house (like Spike on the Tom & Jerry cartoons), and he might get attention when someone is walking by, then I strongly urge you NOT to get a dog. It would not be fair to the dog.

M.

How about a mixed breed?. I would suggest visiting your local ASPCA and let your daughter pick out the dog she has a connection with. We have a mutt (part beagle) and it's a great family dog. Luckily, it doesn't have that beagle bark....

Visit the humane society (or wherever you plan to adopt from) & meet the dogs they have. They should be able to tell you about each dog's behavior and how they do with children. When you've narrowed down a few possibilities, take your daughter to meet them also. Your family should then be able to choose a dog that is right for you!